ISM 4300 Information Systems Operations Management Spring 20

ISM 4300information Systems Operations Managementspring 2021 Class Pro

ISM 4300 Information Systems Operations Management Spring 2021 Class Project You are the Information Technology Manager for Titan Industries, a Florida based company that makes Widgets for several clients all over the world. For years, the company has relied on outdated Information Technology assets to do business. The newly appointed CEO has approached you and said that he wants you to update the company’s IT infrastructure and equipment to better position the company to compete in today’s global marketplace. You have been asked to perform an assessment of the company’s current outdated Information Technology assets (hardware, software, etc.) and make recommendations for upgrades or replacement of those systems by writing a white paper for your upper management.

You will then give a slide presentation, to your upper management, to discuss your findings. First, you must do an Internet search and identify the IT assets that you wish to use as the baseline for the outdated Information Technology assets at Titan Industries. Second, identify the reasons why the current system is not sufficient for Titan Industries to compete in the global marketplace. Third, identify the upgrades or replacements that you wish to make to the existing technologies. Include the costs for all equipment, software, installation, training, and any other costs associated with your recommendations.

Finally, discuss how Titan Industries will benefit from the new technologies that you are recommending. Your white paper should have the following format: · Cover Page containing the following information: · The Title of the paper · Your Name · Your Title with the company (e.g. Information Technology Manager) · The Date · The Titan Industries Logo (you may create one or modify one you find online) · Table of Contents · Introduction - discusses the problem and why you are writing this white paper · Outdated Information Technology Assets Description · Reasons why the current system is considered outdated · Recommended upgrades or replacements (include all costs) · Benefits of the new system to Titan Industries · Conclusions · References Your slide presentation should have the following format: · Title slide containing the following information: · The Title of your slide presentation · Your Name · Your Title with the company (e.g. Information Technology Manager) · The Date · The Titan Industries Logo (you may create one or modify one you find online) · Agenda slide (similar to the table of contents) · Introduction slide · Slide which discusses the Outdated Information Technology Assets Description · Slide which explains the reasons why the current system is considered outdated · Slide which outlines your recommended upgrades or replacements · Slide which Benefits of the new system to Titan Industries · Conclusions slide · References slide Your white paper (not the slides) should be in Microsoft Word format, one inch margins, Times New Roman font, size 12, and be double spaced. Your papers should be between 10 to 12 pages in length, not counting the Cover Page.

Paper For Above instruction

In today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace, the reliance on outdated information technology (IT) infrastructure can significantly hinder a company’s competitive edge and operational efficiency. As the appointed Information Technology Manager at Titan Industries, a prominent Florida-based manufacturer of widgets serving diverse international clients, it is imperative to assess and modernize the company's IT assets. This white paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the existing technological landscape, identifies deficiencies that limit competitiveness, and recommends strategic upgrades and replacements with detailed cost analyses. The ultimate goal is to enhance productivity, security, scalability, and innovation capacity, aligning Titan Industries with contemporary industry standards and global business demands.

Introduction

The purpose of this white paper is to analyze the current state of Titan Industries’ IT infrastructure, identify gaps and limitations, and propose targeted solutions to modernize the company's technology environment. The impetus for this review stems from recent directives by the newly appointed CEO, emphasizing the necessity of a competitive, secure, and scalable technological framework conducive to global operations. An outdated IT infrastructure not only impairs efficiency but also exposes the company to cybersecurity risks, compliance issues, and hindered growth potential. This document aims to furnish upper management with informed, strategic recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and investment planning.

Outdated Information Technology Assets Description

The current IT landscape at Titan Industries comprises legacy hardware and software components. The hardware infrastructure includes older server units dating back over a decade, characterized by limited processing capabilities, high energy consumption, and frequent hardware failures. Desktops and laptops used by staff are antiquated, often lacking compatibility with modern software and security features. The company's networking infrastructure relies on outdated routers and switches that do not support current bandwidth and security standards.

Software assets are similarly obsolete, with operating systems running on Windows XP or outdated Linux versions, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems operating on versions that no longer receive vendor support. This combination results in poor integration, limited automation, and increased vulnerability to malware and cyberattacks. Backup and disaster recovery solutions are rudimentary, relying on manual processes that risk data loss and extended downtime.

Reasons Why the Current System Is Considered Outdated

  • Hardware Obsolescence: Legacy servers and desktops are incompatible with modern applications, impede performance, and pose hardware failure risks.
  • Software Unsupported: Operating systems and enterprise software versions are no longer supported by vendors, increasing security vulnerabilities and compliance challenges.
  • Security Risks: Outdated hardware and software lack current security patches, exposing Titan Industries to cyber threats, data breaches, and regulatory penalties.
  • Limited Scalability: Existing infrastructure cannot support capacity expansion, cloud integration, or remote operations essential for a competitive global outlook.
  • High Maintenance Costs: Frequent breakdowns and manual processes result in increased downtime and operational costs.
  • Incompatibility with Modern Technologies: Inability to leverage advanced analytics, automation, and IoT solutions limits innovation.

Recommended Upgrades or Replacements (include all costs)

The proposed modernization plan encompasses core hardware upgrades, new software deployments, network enhancements, and personnel training. A detailed cost analysis is provided below.

Hardware Upgrades

  • High-performance Servers: Replacing legacy servers with three modern blade servers equipped with SSD storage, virtualization capabilities, and redundancy features. Estimated cost: $75,000.
  • Workstations and Laptops: Upgrading all employee desktops and laptops to new units with faster processors, increased RAM, SSDs, and enhanced security features. Estimated cost for 50 workstations: $50,000.

Software and Operating Systems

  • Migration to Windows 11 and the latest enterprise Linux distributions to ensure support and security. Licensing costs estimated at: $20,000.
  • Deployment of an updated ERP system with integrated CRM and supply chain modules. Estimated licensing and implementation: $100,000.
  • Antivirus, anti-malware, and cybersecurity solutions: $15,000 annually.

Networking Infrastructure

  • Next-generation switches and routers supporting gigabit speeds, VLANs, and enhanced security features. Estimated cost: $40,000.
  • Implementation of a robust firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS). Estimated cost: $25,000.
  • Migration to cloud-based solutions for data storage and backup; initial setup costs: $30,000.

Other Costs

  • Staff training and change management: $10,000.
  • Consulting and implementation services: $20,000.
  • Contingency and miscellaneous expenses: $10,000.

Total Estimated Cost:

$365,000

Benefits of the New System to Titan Industries

The proposed technological upgrades are poised to deliver numerous strategic benefits. Enhanced hardware and software infrastructure will significantly boost operational efficiency through faster processing, automation, and real-time data analytics, enabling better decision-making. Upgraded security measures will mitigate cyber threats, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, thus reducing potential liabilities and reputational damage.

The scalability of the new infrastructure allows Titan Industries to accommodate future growth, expand into new markets, and adopt emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Cloud integration facilitates remote operations and disaster recovery, ensuring business continuity even during unforeseen disruptions. Moreover, modern systems improve employee productivity and morale by creating a more user-friendly and reliable work environment.

Financially, while the initial investment is substantial, the operational savings, reduced downtime, and risk mitigation provide a clear return on investment. Improved data security and compliance also protect the company from legal penalties and reputational harm, which can be financially devastating in a highly competitive global context.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Titan Industries’ current IT infrastructure hampers its ability to compete effectively in the global marketplace. Addressing the outlined deficiencies through targeted upgrades and replacements will position the company for sustainable growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and stronger security compliance. The strategic investment suggested in this white paper is vital for aligning Titan Industries’ technological capabilities with contemporary industry standards and future expansion plans. Implementing these recommendations will not only mitigate existing risks but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

References

  • Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The Practice of Adaptive Leadership. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Gibson, C. B., & Birkinshaw, J. (2004). The Antecedents, Consequences, and Mediating Role of Organizational Enabling. Academy of Management Journal, 47(4), 521-535.
  • Mitchell, R. K., Agle, B. R., & Wood, D. J. (1997). Toward a Theory of Stakeholder Identification and Salience. Academy of Management Review, 22(4), 853-886.
  • Sarker, S., & Lee, A. (2003). An interpretive analysis of the challenges of agile software development. Information Systems Journal, 13(3), 263-291.
  • McAfee, A. (2006). Enterprise 2.0: The Dawn of Emergent Collaboration. MIT Sloan Management Review.
  • Gartner. (2022). Magic Quadrant for Cloud Infrastructure and Platform Services. Gartner Research.
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Information Technology — Security Techniques — Information Security Management Systems. International Organization for Standardization.
  • Robinson, D., & Stubbs, J. (2019). Cybersecurity Risk Management and Governance in Organizations. International Journal of Information Management, 45, 89-103.
  • Porter, M. E., & Heppelmann, J. E. (2014). How Smart, Connected Products Are Transforming Competition. Harvard Business Review.

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